CROKE PARK CHIEFS have revealed the ‘final recognition protocol’ between the GAA and the Gaelic Players Association.

In an historic move, the GPA is now assured a minimum level of funding – €8.75 million - for the next five years.

The deal establishes a ‘platform for future relations’ between the two groups, one of the main purposes of which is to put in place methods to deal with problems faced by intercounty players.

The figure of €8.75m is an increase on the €1.35m the associations agreed two years ago. The annual contributions increase incrementally by €125,000 a year from €1.5m this year.

GAA president, Christy Cooney, welcomed the agreement.  “The whole process on all sides was done in a very meaningful way,” he said.

“It would be fair to say that while we had challenges before us and throughout the process, that it was done as part of a real and lasting partnership.”

We developed trust and synergy through that process and I would like to compliment Dessie (Farrell) and his team, and also the team in Croke Park, on the work they undertook because it demanded a lot of time, effort and commitment.

For his part, Farrell is confident, he insists, that that players would be happy with the deal. “I think we have come up with an agreement that our players will be very happy with it and it will stand the Association very, very well over the next number of years,” Farrell added.

The agreement is subject to final ratification at the next Ard Comhairle meeting on Saturday, February 12.